"Asapol" discussed with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) about preventing nominee issues in Samui and Phangan, urging the Interior Ministry to amend regulations concerning foreigners who receive suspended sentences and cannot be deported. He pointed out that some individuals hold Thai nationality legally but establish exclusive communities.
On 21 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Asapol Sontraipob, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of the House of Representatives, along with Mr. Theeratchai Panthumas, Vice Chairman of the Commission, Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakijkosol, a commissioner, and others, visited the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to study operations, exchange views, and discuss cooperation strategies in preventing and combating corruption. Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Praedam, Director-General of DSI, with executives and officers, provided information during the meeting.
Mr. Asapol stated that the discussion focused on nominee issues which threaten the country's security, economy, and society. The goal was to use information from DSI to support legislative work addressing these nominee problems.
Particularly regarding Samui and Phangan islands, DSI confirmed these are not isolated cases but have occurred repeatedly, with continuous legal actions being taken.
However, a key problem is that when foreigners face legal proceedings and courts issue suspended sentences with fines, Interior Ministry regulations prevent their deportation. The commission requested DSI to prepare documents summarizing these issues and propose solutions to the Interior and Justice Ministries for appropriate regulatory improvements.
Regarding Israelis with issues in areas such as Samui and Pua District of Nan Province, Mr. Asapol noted that not all cases can be classified as nominee problems since some individuals have legally obtained Thai nationality before purchasing real estate and renting it out, leading to the formation of Israeli communities. The commission views this as a possible legal loophole and asked DSI to summarize the problems and propose solutions for relevant agencies to consider.
